Difference between revisions of "Hao Qiu Zhuan/en-wilkinson/Chapter 15"

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''[Volume IV, Book IV, Chapters I-IV]''
 
''[Volume IV, Book IV, Chapters I-IV]''
  
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CHAP 1.
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CHAP I.<ref>CHAP. XV. In the Translator's manuscript.</ref>
  
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Shuey-keu-ye when he came home, saw to his great satisfaction his daughter grown up to woman's estate, and highly improved in her beauty and accomplishments. He told her the troubles he had met with had not been able to render him unhappy, neither was he at all elevated by his promotion. "My greatest pleasure, said he, is to see you again, and to find you in health." He concluded with telling her, that at court he had met with a young gentleman, whom he had chosen for his son-in-law, one who was in every respect answerable to his utmost wishes. It struck the young lady that this might possibly be ''Tieh''-chung-u; she therefore answered, "Sir, you are far advanced in years: it is a great while since the death of my mother: you have no child but me: it is therefore my duty to serve you as long as I live: and however undeserving I may be, I will never cease to attend you." The Mandarine her father smiled and said, "You must not persist in these resolutions, however commendable they may be. It would be very wrong to let slip the opportunity of being happily married upon any such considerations. If my adopted son-in-law were not a person of superior merit, I should hardly have made choice of him: nay if he had the least fault in the world, I should not have accepted him without having first consulted you. But he is a youth of fine understanding, and of spotless integrity: he is deficient in no one valuable accomplishment. I found him in all respects so unexceptionable, that I did not think it necessary to apply to you first for your consent." The young lady, who by this description was confirmed in her opinion, that it must be the son of the Mandarine ''Tieh''-ying, made answer, "that indeed nothing could be objected to such a person as he had described: But who knows, added she, whether there may not be other objections to the marriage-contract? whether it may be lawful—?" These words made the Lord President recall to mind those of the young gentleman, insomuch that he could not help remarking their resemblance: he therefore said, "Do you know the person of whom I speak; it is the son of the Supreme Viceroy." "Sir, she replied, had it been any one else, I would never have consented: and as it is he, he never will agree to any such marriage." "Why not?" said her father. She answered, "Because it would be to break through all the regards due to that honourable engagement, and to violate its most solemn rites." Shuey-keu-ye was surprised at these words: "This youth, said he, is of no ill descent; but pure and untainted as yourself: Why then do you talk of any violation that would accrue to the rites of marriage?" With that Shuey-ping-sin related to him all that happened during his absence. "And now, added she, after all this, how can such an alliance take place without entailing everlasting shame and disgrace on us both?" When he had heard this relation, her father was charmed with her delicacy and nice sense of honour: "If this be true, said he to himself, my daughter hath not her equal among women, any more than ''Tieh''-chung-u is to be matched among men." "Daughter, said he aloud, I am glad to see you keep so closely to the paths of virtue: there is none but you fit to be paired with so good and virtuous a youth as I have chosen. Heaven seems to have created you both for each other: this marriage was ordained to take place between you. I have engaged to see it performed: you must not therefore think it wrong or dishonourable in it."
  
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FH UE Y-keu-ys when he came home,
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These were the resolutions of the father of Shuey-ping-sin, whom we shall leave at present, to inquire after Kwo-khe-tzu, her unsuccessful admirer.
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saw to his great satisfaction his
 
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daughter grown up to woman's estate,
 
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and highly improved in her beauty
 
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and accomplishments. He told her
 
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the troubles he had met with had not
 
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been able to render him unhappy, nei-
 
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ther was he at all elevated by his pro-
 
  
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When Chun-kee returned as we have seen without success, nothing could equal that youth's disappointment: yet his friend exhorted him not to be cast down: "Your father, said he, hath petitioned the Emperor against Shuey-keu-ye, and against an officer espoused by him; who will both be sentenced to lose their heads." Kwo-khe-tzu listened to this account with pleasure, and they continued to indulge themselves in the hope of being revenged for the slight put upon them, when at length the<ref>The Chinese author is guilty of great inconsistency in this place: he had told us in the preceding book [pag. 150.] that it was six months from Hu-hiau's reprieve, to his victorious return: here he speaks of them both, as happening so near together, that the same messenger that came to tell of the one, brought news of the other.— The above passage in the Translator's MS. runs thus: "While they were talking, there came in a servant from court; they inquired what news he had brought from court. He replied, No good news for you, Sir. Why so, said his master? Because, answered the messenger, ''Tieh''-chung-u having got a reprieve for Hu-hiau by offering himself security for him, that general is returned with success, &c: and both he and Shuey-keu-ye are preferred, and the latter hath given his daughter in marriage to ''Tieh''-chung-u." The Editor hath endeavoured to remove this inconsistency, as much as he could without departing too much from the original.</ref> news arrived that Shuey-keu-ye was recalled from exile, and promoted to a higher office; and all by the interposal of ''Tieh''-chung-u; in return for which he had engaged to give him his daughter in marriage. The report so affected Kwo-khe-tzu, that he raved and stamped like a madman, and at last swooned away. By the assistance of the people, who came to his relief, he at length recovered, and retiring with Chun-kee, said, "How indefatigable have I been? what steps have I taken? what expence have I been at? and what perplexity have I suffered? and at length ''Tieh''-chung-u without any pains at all hath carried off the prize. But, if I die for it, I will prevent the ceremony from being compleated. Come, said he to his friend, you must set your wits at work for me." "Alas! replied the other, when she was lone and friendless all our attempts proved ineffectual: her father is now advanced in dignity, and will quickly be at home; what likelyhood then is there now of success?" "Well, said the youth, I can now have no hopes of succeeding myself: I shall be sufficiently satisfied, if I can but prevent and disappoint the other." "We know very well, replied his friend, the nice and scrupulous temper of her father, and his advancement will render him still more jealous of the reputation of his family; let us apply to some of his acquaintance, and get them to inform him of the secret correspondence between ''Tieh''-chung-u and his daughter: if he hears of this he will certainly break off the marriage. But if he should disregard it, we then will get your father to apply to the Ko-tau or Public Censor<ref name="kotau">The Ko-tau is a great Mandarine, who relates to the Emperor whatever he hears amiss of any of the Mandarines: he also tells the Emperor boldly of any error he is guilty of himself. — Transl. Or rather the officer here intended is the President of a Tribunal of Censors, whose business it is (not unlike that among the Romans) to watch over the public manners, sparing neither Emperor nor Mandarines.—In the discharge of this office, they often shew surprizing courage and perseverance: some of them have persisted for two years together in accusing a Viceroy supported by all the grandees; and without being discouraged by delays or opposition, have at length compelled the court to degrade him, to avoid incurring the public odium. The manner of their proceedings is to frame a memorial and present it to the Emperor, of which they afterwards disperse copies through all the provinces. As soon as this memorial is published, the man accused is generally obliged to do two things: the first is to give in a memorial, not in his own defence, but containing an humble acknowledgment of his error: the second is to retire from his Tribunal, and to suspend all public execution of his office, till the Emperor hath answered his petition, either acquitting or condemning him. Any excess in private buildings, any irregularity of manners, any innovation or contempt of ancient customs, falls immediately under their cognizance. And as in China a parent is responsible for his children, it would have been a capital crime in Shuey-keu-ye to have rewarded his daughter's incontinence by letting her marry her gallant. See P. Semedo, p. 126. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. pag. 70. P. Le Compte, p. 227. Lettres edif. XIII, p. 367.</ref>: whose complaint against him will cause the Emperor to take away his employment, and set aside their nuptials." Kwo-khe-tzu thought this a well-concerted scheme: and said, "To-morrow I will endeavour to make this matter as public as I can among all the Mandarines of the city." "By no means, said his friend, for the Che-foo and Che-bien<ref name="chebien"/> know the whole truth of the affair, and can contradict such a report: besides they will now be disposed to solicit the favour of Shuey-keu-ye, who will be upon the spot. Let us rather defer it till there come two new magistrates, for the present will soon go to court to solicit farther preferment." "Well, said the other, but although two new Mandarines should arrive, they will inquire into the truth of such a report, and the people of their audience will be able to set them right." "If we consider every objection, and are discouraged by it, replied Chun-kee, we had better desist and give up the affair. However I now recollect a more effectual means than any we have thought of: when I was at court, I observed a very great intimacy between your father, and Tah-quay, the great Mandarine who was so disgraced by your adversary ''Tieh''-chung-u. The wife of this nobleman was newly dead, and he was looking out for a young and handsome woman to succeed her. Dispatch a letter to your father, and desire him to recommend Shuey-ping-sin to him; for although ''Tieh''-chung-u hath made proposals of marriage, it is not concluded. Thus your father will at once oblige his friend, by helping him to a young and handsome wife, and you will be revenged on your adversary; whose reputation will also suffer by the disappointment: at the same time the whole affair will be conducted without disturbance or danger." "There is one difficulty attends this method, said the youth: Tah-quay's confinement is not yet expired, and no body is allowed to converse with him openly: so my father can only visit him in private, and therefore cannot assist him in his power." "This is very true, said Chun-kee, and will somewhat retard the attempt, but I have still another resource, which is not liable to the same objection. Your father hath also contracted a close intimacy with one of the great Eunuchs of the palace; one of whom the whole court stands in awe, as being about the Emperor's person, and having his ear. This gentleman, who is called Chou-thay-kien<ref>Chou or Chen signifies danger, and his surname a Eunuch. — Transl.</ref> or the Eunuch of danger, hath a niece who is very ugly, and not yet married. Get your father to recommend ''Tieh''-chung-u as a fit husband for her; he will not dare to reject the offers of so powerful a courtier as her uncle. Now when he is once married to the Eunuch's niece, undoubtedly so great a Mandarine as the Lord President of Arms, will never give him his only daughter for a second wife or concubine." Kwo-khe-tzu was so pleased with this advice, that he resolved to write to his father immediately: "But this affair, said he, is of too much moment to be intrusted to a common servant; shall I once more intreat you to embark in it?" His friend readily assented: and being furnished with money and other necessaries once more set out for the court.
  
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* Cuar. XV. In the Translator S manuscript.
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While these plots were contriving, ''Tieh''-chung-u lived retired in his country house: where he pursued his studies with such application and success, that at the time of the examination of students, he was admitted to the degree of Kiu-jin, or Licentiate<ref name="chebien"/>: this happened in autumn, when the examination is made through all the provinces. And soon after when the second examination was held at court he offered himself again, and appeared to such advantage that he was created Doctor of Law, and put foremost on the list. He was soon after made one of the first doctors of the empire, being chosen into the royal college or Han-lin<ref name="hanlin"/>,<ref>This may seem inconsistent with what hath been formerly said, of the slow progress of the Chinese in their studies; and of the length of time required for them to pass through their several degrees. See vol. 2. pag. 86. 98. &c. But it should be observed, that there may be exceptions to this general rule in favour of extraordinary Genius, or uncommon assiduity.—P. Parrenin tells us, that he has known instances of young men that have been made not only Doctors, but Han-lin [or members of the royal college,] before they were twenty years of age. — But these were extraordinary instances: and the promotion of these young Doctors was owing not only to the force of genius, and the advantage of a happy memory, but in part to the great care and expence their parents had bestowed on their education. "I knew, saith he, the father of one of these young men, who was not only a Doctor himself, but had always at his table three other Doctors, to whom he allowed handsome salaries for taking care of his son. The one of these taught their pupil to compose in prose and verse; the other to form curious characters: the third instructed him in history and politics. Thus by way of conversation they instilled into his mind and heart the knowledge of the laws, the principles of morality, the virtues of the great Emperors, and the examples of a rare fidelity towards the prince, which hath rendered certain families illustrious: and as the young man had a lively and apt spirit, he quickly became as learned as his masters." See P. Parrenin's letter, dated Aug. 11. 1730. Lettres edif. XXI. p. 204.</ref> and appointed by the Emperor to be one of the tutors to his son. He had now attained his twenty second year, and his father and mother only waited for Shuey-keu-ye's return to court, in order to compleat the marriage, which they resolved the nice scruples of their son should not set aside.
  
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CHAP. II.
  
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Vor. IV. 8 1 motion.
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The year was now elapsed which Shuey-keu-ye had been allowed to spend in retirement: when the Emperor issued out an order for his return to court: upon the first notice of which the Mandarine ''Tieh''-ying wrote a letter, to intreat him to bring the young lady along with him. Upon the receipt of this, he told his daughter, that as she was now grown up to woman's estate, he intended she should accompany him to the court. Shuey-ping-sin testified her compliance: "To what purpose, said she, am I your daughter? I might as well not have been born to you, if I must remain always at a distance. It is very fitting I should attend you: but then I must humbly intreat one favour." He asked what it was. She replied, "If at court any offers should be made about the completion of the marriage with ''Tieh''-chung-u, that you will be pleased not to consent to it." The old Mandarine smiled at her request, and assured her that he would do nothing that should be prejudicial either to her happiness or fame. He then asked her, to whom he should devolve the care of his house and effects. She proposed her uncle as the properest person to have direction without doors, but recommended him to leave the government within to the care of Se-ue-geong. He followed her advice, and having made suitable preparations departed for Pe-king, where in little more than a month he arrived.
  
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As soon as he had performed his first duty in waiting on the Emperor, all the great officers came to visit him, and among the rest the Mandarine ''Tieh''-ying: who afterwards sent his son to pay him the same compliment. Although the young Mandarine ''Tieh'' in his visiting billet which he had dispatched before him, called himself only cousin, and not son-in-law, as he should have done, Shuey-keu-ye attributed it to his modesty, and admitted his visit. The old gentleman was mightily pleased to see him become a great Mandarine, and grown a very personable man,<ref>That is, he was fat and jolly. — "The Chinese, says P. Le Compte, differ from us in their idea of beauty and comeliness. They require a man to be large, corpulent and burly: to have a large forehead, little flat eyes, a short nose, ears rather of the largest, a little mouth, a long beard and black hairs. A man according to them is well made, when he fills his easy chair, and by his gravity and bulk, makes a large and pompous figure." See tom. 1. Pag. 191.</ref> which made him think him the more suitable match for his daughter, esteeming them both only born for each other. "Let this young and virtuous pair, (said he to himself,) object never so much to the marriage, we old folks will over-rule them, and make them happy in spite of themselves."
  
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2 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. motion. * My greatest pleasure, said
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After some conversation ''Tieh''-chung-u took his leave and retired. As soon as he was gone, the secretary belonging to Shuey-keu-ye's tribunal came in and said, "Sir, I have a relation, who is servant to the Mandarine Tah-quay; he hath been here to tell me that, as his master is confined, he could not visit your Lordship, neither could he send a billet of compliments in due form, but he notwithstanding presents his services and wishes of good health: he told me farther, that Tah-quay having lost his wife, is very desirous to marry again; and hearing that you have brought the young lady your daughter with you to court, he intends to get the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su to come in his behalf, and conclude a marriage-contract for her." "Well! said Shuey-keu-ye, and what answer did you make to Tah-quay's servant?" "I told him, said the other, that she had been long engaged to the Mandarine ''Tieh''-chung-u. Upon which he inquired when the marriage was to be concluded; but I was not able to inform him. Of this our discourse, I thought it my duty to inform your Lordship." The Mandarine ordered him, if any one should hereafter question him on that subject, to tell them that the nuptials would be celebrated within the space of two days. "This Mandarine, said Shuey-keu-ye to himself, is a person of very ill character, his proposals are only meant to give us disturbance. But should he apply to the Emperor himself, there will be nothing to fear, as my daughter is already disposed of: however it is better to have the marriage completed to prevent the worst that may happen." He then went to his daughter's apartment, and told her she must not think it unreasonable, that he renewed the subject of her union with ''Tieh''-chung-u, for that it was necessary it should take place immediately. Then he related to her all that his secretary had told him: "Now, said he, if we do not hasten the completion of your marriage, this Tah-quay may perhaps involve us in a great deal of trouble." It instantly occurred to the young lady, that Kwo-khe-tzu or his father were at the bottom of this business. She communicated her conjectures to her father, "And yet, added she, if Tah-quay should persist in giving us disturbance, upon proper application to his Majesty it may perhaps involve him in fresh disgrace, and be a means of renewing his former punishment." "The wisest course, said Shuey-keu-ye, is not to oppose an enemy, but to avoid him. If we conclude this marriage out of hand, his design will be defeated." —Before his daughter could reply, there came in a servant, to tell him that the Supreme Viceroy had sent his service, and begged he would favour him with his company at his house, for that he had urgent business to communicate to him. "This is a good opportunity, said Shuey-keu-ye; I had thoughts myself of going thither. I will therefore lay all ceremony aside. Let my horse be got ready."
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he, is to see you again, and to find you
 
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in health.” He concluded with tel-
 
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ling her, that at court he had met
 
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with a young gentleman, whom he
 
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had chosen for his son-in-law, one who
 
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was in every respect answerable to his
 
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utmost wishes, It struck the young
 
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lady that this might possibly be Tieb-
 
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chung u; she therefore answered, Sir,
 
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you are far advanced in years: it is
 
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a great while since the death of my
 
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mother: you have no child but me: it
 
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is therefore my duty to serve you as long
 
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as I live: and however undeserving I
 
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may be, I will never cease to attend
 
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you.“ The Mandarine her father smi-
 
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led and said, You must not persist
 
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in these resolutions, however commend-
 
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able they may be. It would be very
 
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226575 8 v1 ks
 
  
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He accordingly went as fast as he could.
  
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A CHINESE HISTORY. 3
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CHAP. III.
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wrong to let flip' the opportunity of
 
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being happily married upon any such
 
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considerations. If my adopted son-in-
 
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law were not a person of superior me-
 
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rit, 1 should hardly have made choice
 
  
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As soon as he alighted, the Mandarine ''Tieh''-ying took him by the hand, and led him into the hall: "This morning, said he, as I was coming from court, I met the Eunuch Chou-thay-kien; who making me a very low bow, said, he begged a favour which he hoped I would not refuse him: that he had a niece, whom he should be glad to have married to my son. I told him it could not be, for he was already engaged. He replied, 'What though he is engaged to Shuey-ping-sin, it signifies little, as the marriage is not yet completed.' These Eunuchs, added the Mandarine ''Tieh'', are saucy impertinent rascals, and presume upon the great employments they fill: therefore to be plagued no more on this subject, I have sent to your Lordship that we may get the wedding concluded as soon as possible." "What, said Shuey-keu-ye, have you then met with this trouble? Such another application hath been this day made to myself." Upon which he related all that his secretary had told him. "Now, said he, this being the case, let us put an end to the affair. When the marriage ceremony is once over, even his Majesty's order will not be of force to set it aside. Nay let it be concluded this very day: and yet my daughter will hardly be prevailed with; she argues against breaking the laws of decency and custom." "My son, said the other, talks in the same strain." "After all, said Shuey-keu-ye, I believe they secretly love each other: we must not therefore regard their objections, but exert our paternal authority." "True, said the Mandarine ''Tieh'' — and yet if these impertinent applications had not been made to us, we might have indulged them with longer time: but as it is, there is not an hour to be lost: I believe they would hardly be brought to give up each other, and therefore will now comply with our desires." Here they parted.
  
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| of him: nay if he had the least fault
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The Mandarine ''Tieh''-ying instantly sent for his son, and related to him all that happened both to the President of Arms and to himself. "Now, said he, this being the case, if you don't consent to marry the young lady, you will cause a great deal of trouble both to her and yourself; which there are no other means to prevent or avoid." "Sir, replied his son, whatever you command, 'tis my duty to obey you. I am only concerned at the hastiness of the proceedings. As to the Eunuch's application, it is certainly the contrivance of Kwo-sho-su: but what signifies his proposing his niece to me? he will but lose his labour." "Well, said his father, although you can so easily resist this attack yourself, you must give the young lady some assistance in her difficulty." "Sir, said the youth, be pleased then to acquaint the Mandarine her father to give it out that we are married. This will stop the mouths of these people, and rescue us from their impertinence: at the same time, we may within doors remain single till a more favourable juncture." The Mandarine ''Tieh'' approved very well of his son's discourse: and did not insist upon his further compliance. "Provided, said he, you can but satisfy the world that you are married, you may act in private as you please." Then he commissioned proper people to chuse out a fortunate day for the celebration of their nuptials.
  
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CHAP. IV.
  
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in the world, I should not have ac-
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Early on the morrow the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye sent a letter to the Supreme Viceroy, which he opened, and read to the following effect. "After I had talked with your Lordship yesterday, I went home and proposed to my daughter the completion of the marriage; which she could by no means be brought to consent to: however, after a great many arguments, at length she yielded that it should be reported abroad she was married to your son; on condition that at home she should still continue in her present state. I have therefore sent to consult your Lordship, whether you think this will be sufficient."
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cepted him without having firft con-
 
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sulted you. But he is a youth of fine
 
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understanding, and of spotless integrity :
 
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he is deficient in no one valuable ac-
 
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complishment. I found him in all re-
 
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spects so unexceptionable, that I did not
 
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think it necessury to apply to you first
 
  
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The Mandarine ''Tieh''-ying was highly pleased with the letter: but could not help thinking it very extraordinary that this young couple should both adopt the same opinions. "Certainly, said he, Heaven hath designed this pair for each other: there is a wonderful similitude in their fortunes, manners and sentiments. But yet, he added, if they do not live under the same roof, it will soon be discovered that they are not married: I will therefore send my son to reside in the house of Shuey-keu-ye; and then whether they are married or not, their true situation will not be known abroad." He accordingly sent to ask the other's opinion concerning this proposal: who intirely approved of it. They soon after visited each other, and chusing a fortunate day celebrated the marriage; at which a great number of Mandarines assisted with the highest splendour and magnificence. ''Tieh''-chung-u went in state to the house of the bride, attended by all the Mandarines. When he arrived at the door, the Lord President came out in person to receive him: and after the usual ceremonies were over, there was a great entertainment prepared for the guests. The bridegroom however left them, and was led into the inner apartments.
  
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for your consent.” The young lady,
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As it was now evening, the rooms were lighted up with greatest splendor: and as soon as he was come into the second hall, Shuey-ping-sin entered also, followed by a long train of female attendants. She received him with the same easy chearfulness, as she would have received a friend: she bewrayed no particular emotion or gesture, but accosted him with a decent and becoming freedom. "Sir, said she, I am ever sensible of the former benefits I received at your hands: and was my life to be laid down in your behalf, it would not discharge the debt I owe you. By my father's order I have the good fortune to meet with you here this day; which affords me an opportunity of returning you thanks for the services you have done me." Then making a deep court'sy she presented him with a seat. ''Tieh''-chung-u seeing the graceful ease with which she accosted him, and the beauty of her person set off with the richness and exactness of her dress, thought her handsomer than she had even appeared to him at their first encounter: he was so ravished with the sight of her, that he thought she could be nothing less than an angel from heaven. When he had recovered his surprize, he replied, "Madam, the benefit I have received at your hands is so great that I want words to express it: A deep sense of it is however engraved in my heart, and is the subject of my daily thoughts and nightly dreams. By your father's permission, I have the good fortune to meet with you here this day, to pay you my acknowledgments." This said, he saluted her with great respect. Then a carpet was spread, and they both together performed the usual ceremony of bowing their heads down to the ground. After which retiring to two different tables they drank three glasses of wine to each other.
  
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''Tieh''-chung-u thus addressed the young lady, "Madam, I am so much obliged to you for all your favours, especially for the good instructions you gave me, that I shall ever retain them in my memory. It is owing to you that I am arrived to the great honours conferred upon me. If I had not had the happiness of meeting with you, I should very likely have been still a wanderer." "Your present advancement, said the young lady, was not owing to any thing I could say; which was but trifling. A mere child might by chance point out the way to those that had lost it. The source of your reputation was your redressing the injury of the young lady, who had been forced away; and your appearing in behalf of the General, Hu-hiau: these were actions so brave, that none beside yourself were equal to them. You also got my father restored to the Emperor's favour: a benefit that can be never repaid. How happy am I then, that I can now offer you my service! But, Sir, permit me to propose one word or two. When I invited you to my house in order to attend you in your illness, Heaven knows we were void of all bad intentions; but the malignity of the world led them to speak very ill of us abroad: and shall we now for the sake of a few days of mirth and pleasure, obscure the remaining part of our lives? In my opinion it would be much better to stay, and see this cloud pass over before we conclude the marriage farther. These are my sentiments, and I should be very glad if yours were the same." ''Tieh''-chung-u hearing this, made her a very low bow, and told her, he highly approved of her opinion; which he had as much wished her to adopt, as a shower of rain is desired in a time of drought. "It is true, said he, the commands of our parents would be sufficient to warrant our completing the marriage: but as it would cause a deal of reflection, I am intirely of your opinion that it will be better to wait a little while longer."
  
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who by this deseription was confirm-
+
"Our parents' impatience, said the young lady, proceeds from the impertinence of Tah-quay and the Eunuch: but your regard for decency and good order merits my regard, and greatly heightens my opinion of you." "The people you mention, answered he, know nothing about us; and are unacquainted with our affairs: they are incited to trouble us by Kwo-sho-su; but when they see the step we have taken, their mouths will be stopped, and they can proceed no farther." "And yet, said Shuey-ping-sin, they may still shew their spite by raising ill and calumnious reports of us. Upon all these accounts it is best to forbear a while." "For my part, said ''Tieh''-chung-u, when I came ill into your house, I thought none knew of it but four, namely, Heaven and Earth, you and myself."<ref>It is usual with the Chinese to speak of The Heaven and The Earth, as intelligent beings, or divinities. Thus in their books it is said, "Heaven hears and sees every thing." [P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 407.] And in their imperial edicts, "The protection of [Tien-ti] the Heaven and the Earth, which comes from on high." [ibid. p. 528.] But the Jesuits alledge that these are only phrases to signify the Deity, the Sovereign Lord of Heaven and Earth. It is very remarkable that the Chinese have no particular term in all their language that expressly denotes the Supreme Being, or answers to our word GOD. Hence they have been branded with the character of professed atheists. But whatever their Literati may be at present, it is certain that the Chinese have had from the earliest antiquity various forms of expression, and a multitude of religious rites, which prove their belief of a Divine Providence. (See note, vol. 1. p. 155.) Among the other buildings consecrated to religious worship, there are at Pe-king two very superb ones. The one is called Tien-Tang, or The Temple of Heaven; the other Ti-tang, or The Temple of the Earth. To these the Emperor goes every year in great state, and with his own hands offers sacrifice to The Heaven, and to The Earth, at which times he lays aside his robes, and appears in a plain vestment of black, or sky-coloured damask. This is an office so essential to his dignity, that for any one else to perform it, would be at once to aspire to the throne. The Emperor's sacrifice to the Earth is attended with a ceremony, which deserves particular notice. On a certain day in the spring he appears in the character of a husbandman, and with two oxen who have their horns gilt, and with a plough finely varnished, &c. he ploughs up several furrows, and afterwards sows them with his own hand: his principal Lords afterwards do the like, till they have ploughed the whole spot set apart for that purpose: P. Magalhaens tells us, that at the same time the Empress with her ladies dresses him a homely dinner, which they afterwards eat together, &c. This ceremony hath been observed from time immemorial in order to encourage agriculture, the profession of which is deemed very honourable in China, and there are annual rewards proposed to such as excell in it. See P. Du Halde, vol. 1, pag. 275. 660. P. Magal. ch. 21. Martin. Hist. p. 11. &c.</ref> "Well, said she, if Heaven hath seen every thing, it will justify our union in the eye of the world: but as there is this secret reason for our forbearance, we must only feign to be husband and wife: this may pass with the public, till the difficulty is removed that prevents us from being such in reality." The young Mandarine was charmed with her discretion, and said, "Your ingenious reasoning informs my mind, at the same time that it strengthens my resolutions in virtue."<ref>In the Translator's M.S. it is, "Strengthens my regard to the great law of nature."</ref> Thus they held conversation on their present circumstances, and on the great regard that ought to be paid to honour and virtue: they also related the various passages that had happened, as well through the persecution of Kwo-khe-tzu, as through the plots of him and his father. They were very pleasant and chearful: and having drunk just enough to put them in mind to have the tables removed, they rose up, and retired into two separate chambers. So that their marriage was no otherwise completed than as to the outward appearance, and belief of it.
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ed in her opinion, that it must be
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
the son of the Mandarine Tieb-ying,
 
−
made answer, chat indeed nothing
 
−
D'S B 2 could
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
4 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. could be objected to such a person as
 
−
he had described : But who knows,
 
−
added she, whether there may not be
 
−
other objections to the marriage - con-
 
−
tract? whether it may be lawful—?“
 
−
These words made the Lord President
 
−
recall to mind those of the young gen-
 
−
tleman, insomuch that he could not
 
−
help remarking their resemblance:
 
−
he therefore said, Do you know
 
−
the person of whom I speak ; it is the
 
−
son of the Supreme Viceroy.” *© Sir,
 
−
she ' replied,” had it been any one else,
 
−
4; would never have consented : and
 
−
as it is he, he never will agree to any
 
−
such marriage.” „Why not?“ said
 
−
her father. She answered, © Because it
 
−
would be to break through all the
 
−
gangs due to that [honourable en-
 
−
 
 
−
gagement,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 5
 
−
gagement, and to violate its most
 
−
solemn rites.] Shuey Leu y was sur⸗
 
−
prized at these words: This youth,
 
−
said he, is of no ill descent; but
 
−
pure and untainted as yourself : Why
 
−
then do you talk of any violation that
 
−
would accrue to the rites of marriage?
 
−
With that Shuey-ping-/in" related ato
 
−
him all that happened during his ab-
 
−
sence. And now, added she, after
 
−
all this, how can such an alliance
 
−
take place without intailing everlast-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ing shame and disgrace on us both?“
 
−
When he had heard this relation,
 
−
her father was charmed with her de-
 
−
licac y and nice sense of honours: If
 
−
this. be true, said he to himself, my.
 
−
daughter hath not her equal among
 
−
women, any more than Tieh cbung⸗u ĩs to
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
. Fu a |
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
6 Hau KIOU CHOAAN.
 
−
be matched among men.“ Daughter,
 
−
said he aloud, I am glad to see you
 
−
keep so closely to the paths of virtue:
 
−
there is none but you fit to be paired
 
−
with fo good and virtuous a youth
 
−
as I have chosen. Heaven seems to
 
−
have created you both for each other:
 
−
this marriage was ordained to take
 
−
place between you. I have engaged
 
−
to see it performed: you must not
 
−
therefore think r. n wrong or
 
−
N in it.“
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
7 8 the resolutions of the fa -
 
−
ther of Shuey-ping-/in, whom we shall
 
−
leave at present, to inquire after wo-
 
−
lbs tau, {her unsuccessful admirer.]
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
Mhen Chun: kic returned as we have
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
” +» 4 | [cen]
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 7
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
feen] without success, nothing could
 
−
equal that youth's disappointment : yet
 
−
his friend exhorted him not to be cast
 
−
down: Tour father, said he, hath
 
−
petitioned the Emperor against Shuey-
 
−
ken ye, and against an officer espoused
 
−
by him; who will both be sentenced to
 
−
lose their heads.” KAzwo-kbe-izuliftened
 
−
to this account with pleasure, and they
 
−
continued to indulge themselves in the
 
−
hope of being revenged for the slight
 
−
put upon them, when at length * the
 
−
 
 
−
5 news
 
−
 
 
−
* The Chinese author i puisey'of great in-
 
−
 
 
−
consistency in this place: he had told us in the
 
−
preceding book (pag. 150.] that it was fix
 
−
months from Hu hiau's reprieve, to his victori-
 
−
ous return: here he speaks of them both, as
 
−
happening fo near together, that the same mes⸗
 
−
senger that came to tell of the one, brought
 
−
news of the other.— The above 0 in che
 
−
FTranslator's MS. runs thus.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
While they were talking, chere came in a
 
−
3 . B 4 « servant
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
8 HAU KIOU. CHOAAN.
 
−
news arrived that Shuey-keu-yt was re-
 
−
 
 
−
called from exile, and promoted to a
 
−
higher office; and all by the interposal
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
of Tieb- chung - u; in return for which he
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
had engaged to give him his daugh-
 
−
ter in marriage. The report so affected
 
−
Kwo-kbe-tzu, that he raved and stamp-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
esdd like a madman, and at last swooned
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
away. By the assistance of the people,
 
−
who came to his relief, he at * re-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
« servant from 83 they inquired what news
 
−
« he had brought from court. He replied, No
 
−
“good news for you, Sir. Why fo, said his
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
„ master? Because, answered the messenger,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
* Tieb-chung-u having got a reprieve for Hu-
 
−
©* hiau by offering himself security for him,
 
−
that general] is returned with success, &c :
 
−
and both he and Shuey-keu-ye are preferred,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
and the latter hath given his daughter in
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
marriage to Treh-chung-u.”
 
−
The Editor hath endeavoured to remove this
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
inconsistency, as much as he could without de-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
parting too much from the original.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
covered,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 9
 
−
covered, and retiring with Chun-ktt,
 
−
said, How indefatigable have I been ?
 
−
what steps have I taken? what ex-
 
−
pence have I been at? and what per-
 
−
plexity have I suffered ? and at length
 
−
Tieh-chung-u without any pains at all
 
−
| hath carried off the prize. But, if I
 
−
die for it, I will prevent the ceremony
 
−
from being compleated. Come, said
 
−
 
 
−
he to his friend you mult set your wits
 
−
at work for me.” „Alas! replied
 
−
the other, when the was lone and friend-
 
−
less all our attempts proved ineffec-
 
−
tual : her father is now advanced in
 
−
dignity, and will quickly be at home;
 
−
what likelyhood then is there now of
 
−
success?” „ Well, said the youth, I
 
−
can now have no hopes of succeeding
 
−
myself: I shall be sufficiently satisfied,
 
−
| BO it
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ro HAU KIOU CHOAAN. if I can but prevent and disappoint the
 
−
other,” 5 We know very well, replied
 
−
his friend, the nice and scrupulous tem-
 
−
per of her father, and his advancement
 
−
will render him {till more jealous of the
 
−
reputation of his family; let us apply to
 
−
| some of his acquaintance, and get them
 
−
to inform him of the secret correspon-
 
−
dence between Tzeb-chung-u and his
 
−
daughter: if he hears of this he will
 
−
certainly. break off the marriage. But
 
−
if he should disregard it, we then
 
−
will get your father to apply to the
 
−
Ko- tau or Public Censor *: whose com-
 
−
9181 plaint
 
−
 
 
−
1 The Ko-tau is a great Mandarine. who re-
 
−
Jates to the Emperor whatever he hears amiss
 
−
of any of the Mandarines : he also tells the Em-
 
−
peror boldly of any error he is guilty of him-
 
−
elf. | | Transl.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
Or rather the officer here intended is the Pre-
 
−
| sident
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
peror to take away his employment,
 
−
and set aside their nuptials.” Nrvo-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
kbi-tzu thought this a well - concerted
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
scheme: and said, To- morrow I will
 
−
endeavour to make this matter as pub-
 
−
lic as I can among all the Mandarines
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
of the city.” * By no means, said his
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
[p. 1]
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
| kdent of a F; 1 of "Yo ok whose business
 
−
it is (not unlike that ameng the Romans) ta
 
−
watch over the public manners, sparing neither
 
−
Emperor nor Mandarines.—In the discharge of
 
−
this office, they often shew surprizing courage
 
−
and perseverance: some of them have persisted
 
−
for two years together in accusing a Viceroy sup-
 
−
ported by all the grandees; and without being
 
−
discouraged by delays or opposition, have at
 
−
length compelled the court to degrade him, to
 
−
avoid incurring the public odium.
 
−
 
 
−
The manner of their proceedings is to frame a
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
memorial and present it to the Emperor, of which
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
they afterwards disperse copies through all the
 
−
provinces. As soon as this memorial is publish-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ed, the ran accused is generally obliged to do
 
−
| | ue
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 17
 
−
plaint against him will cause the Em-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
1 Hau KIOU:CHOAAN.”
 
−
 
 
−
friend, for the Che. foo and Che. bien know
 
−
| the Whole truth of the affair, and can
 
−
contradict such a feport: besides my will
 
−
now be disposed to solicit the favour of
 
−
Shut. eu. jc, whe will be upon the 905 |
 
−
Let us rather defer” it till there come
 
−
two new magistrates, for the present will
 
−
soon 800 to court to solicit farther pre-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
tuo things: the fr/? is to give in a memorial,
 
−
not in his own defence, but containing an hum-
 
−
ble acknowledgment of his error: the second is
 
−
to retire from his Tribunal, and to suspend all
 
−
public execution of his office, till the Emperor
 
−
hath answered his petition” either - ae
 
−
or condemning him.
 
−
 
 
−
Any excess in private buildings, any irregu-
 
−
larity of manners, any innovation or contempt
 
−
of ancient customs, falls immediately under their
 
−
cognizance. And as in China a parent is re-
 
−
sponsible for his children, it would have been
 
−
a capital crime in Shuey-keu-ye to have reward-
 
−
ed his daughter's incontinence by letting her
 
−
marry her gallant.
 
−
See P. Semedo, p. 126. P. Du Halde, vol. 1.
 
−
 
 
−
pag. 70. P. as. p. 227. Lettres edif.
 
−
Xill, p. 367, | e
 
−
ferment."
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 13
 
−
ferment. “ Well, said the other, but
 
−
although two new Mandarines should
 
−
arrive, they will inquire into the truth
 
−
of such a report, and the people of
 
−
their audience will be able to set them
 
−
right.“ If we consider every ob-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
jection, and are discouraged by it, re-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
plied Chun ti, we had better desist
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
and give up the affair. However 1
 
−
now recollect a more effectual means WY +
 
−
than any we have thought of : when .
 
−
I was at court, I observed a very great
 
−
intimacy between your father, and 7 4b 2
 
−
quay, the great Mandarine who was 1 5 >
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
so disgraced by your adversary Tiab-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
* 2
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
chung: u. The wife of this noble- man a
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
was newly dead, and he was looking "i
 
−
out for a young and handsome woman 1 i *
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
to succeed her, Dispatch letter *
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
1 * =
 
−
2 **& A
 
−
L *
 
−
45 2 4 by
 
−
=_ . | N
 
−
x - ws
 
−
7 2 5
 
−
[p. 1]
 
−
a8 , I \
 
−
= Kg \
 
−
3 —
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
"td
 
−
x5
 
−
"x
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
[p. 4]
 
−
"2
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
„ ²˙A PITS ;
 
−
Emo
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
* J 4
 
−
[p. 1]
 
−
1 1 .
 
−
5 y * * *
 
−
I 4
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
13 4 Aach as he would, notuithstanding
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
xy HAU KIOU CHOAAN. fote to your father, and desire him to
 
−
recommend Sbuey-ping:sin to him; for
 
−
although Tieb-chung-u hath made pro-
 
−
posals of marriage, it is not conclu-
 
−
ded. Thus your father will at once
 
−
-oblige his friend, by helping him to
 
−
a young and handsome wife, and you
 
−
will be revenged on your adversary ;
 
−
whose reputation will also suffer by
 
−
the disappointment: at the same time
 
−
the whole affair will be conducted with-
 
−
oi disturbance or danger.” There is
 
−
one difficulty attends this method, said
 
−
abs youth: Tah-quay's confinement is
 
−
7 yet expired, and no body is ia
 
−
cel to converse with him openly: so
 
−
my father can only visit him in
 
−
av and therefore cannot assist him
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
his
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 15
 
−
his power.” This is very true, said
 
−
bun- kec, (and will somewhat retard
 
−
| the attempt, ] but I have still another
 
−
resource, which is not liable to the
 
−
fame objection. Your father hath also
 
−
contracted a close intimacy with one
 
−
of the great Eunuchs of the palace;
 
−
one of whom the whole court stands in
 
−
awe, as being about the Emperor's per-
 
−
son, and having his ear. This gentle-
 
−
man, who is called * Chou-tbay-kien or
 
−
the Eunuch of danger, hath a niece who
 
−
is very ugly, and not yet married.
 
−
Ger your father to recommend Jie
 
−
chung u as a fit husband for her; he will
 
−
not dare to reject the offers of so power-
 
−
: ful a courtier as her uncle. Now when
 
−
8 Chen or C bass beate. danger, and hb fins
 
−
a Eunuch. Transl,
 
−
5 he
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ZZ7—
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
16 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. he is once married to the Eunuch's
 
−
niece, undoubtedly so great a Man-
 
−
darine as the Lord President of Arms,
 
−
will never give him his only daugh-
 
−
ter for a second wife or concubine.“
 
−
Kwo-kbe-izu was so pleased with this
 
−
advice, that he resolved to write to his
 
−
father immediately : But this affair,
 
−
 
 
−
said he, is of too much moment to be
 
−
 
 
−
intrusted to a common servant; shall
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
I once more intreat you to embark
 
−
| in it?“ His friend readily assented:
 
−
Il | and being furnished with money and
 
−
q other necessaries once more set out for
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
the court.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
4 [While these lite were contriving Y
 
−
cha lived retired in his coun-
 
−
=> Ds house : where he pursued his stu-
 
−
: 3 201 | dies
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
8 6, N 2 A COTE C2 8 2 are e CN WE eee 1 2 FR by NN Nn 2
 
−
Fe 2 2 LY \ M3 28 . 8 R 8 BY > Y 2 Wt x1 8 r r ² m ůuuůl«rnnn WS (a 22 *
 
−
* . o : 7 | q ?
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 17
 
−
dies with such application and success,
 
−
that at the time of the examination of
 
−
students, he was admitted to the degree
 
−
of Kiu-jin, or Licentiate * : this happen-
 
−
ed in autumn, when the examination is
 
−
made through all the provinces. And
 
−
soon after when the | second] examina-
 
−
tion was held at court he offered him-
 
−
self again, and appeared to such advan-
 
−
tage that he was created Doctor of
 
−
Law, and put foremost on the list.
 
−
He was soon after made one of the first
 
−
doctors of the empire, being chosen
 
−
into the royal college or Han-lin +,
 
−
and appointed by the Emperor to be
 
−
one of the tutors to his son. He had
 
−
no- attained his twenty second year *, I
 
−
and
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
2 See note, vol. . pag. 8. Kc.
 
−
"+ Sec note, vol. 3. pag. 75: Kc.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
This may seem inconsistent with what hath
 
−
Vol. IV. S been
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
| son should not set aside. |
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
18 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. and his father and mother only waited.
 
−
for Shuey-keu-ye's return to court, in
 
−
order to compleat the marriage, which
 
−
they resolved the nice scruples of their
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
CHAP?
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
been formerly said, of the slow progress of the
 
−
Chine/e in their studies; and of the length of
 
−
time required for them to pass through their
 
−
several degrees. See vol. 2. pag. 86. 98. c.
 
−
But it should be observed, that there may be ex-
 
−
ceptions to this general rule in favour of extra-
 
−
ordinary Genius, or uncommon asliduity.—P,
 
−
Parrenin tells ue, that he has known instances
 
−
of young men that have been made not only
 
−
Doctors, but Hau- lin [or members of the royal
 
−
college,] before they were twenty years of age,
 
−
— But these were extraordinary instances: andthe
 
−
promotion of these young Doctors was owing
 
−
not only to the force of genius, and the advantage
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
of a happy memory, but in part to the great
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
care and expence their parents had bestowed on
 
−
their education. I knew, saith he, the father
 
−
of one of these young men, who was not only
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
a Doctor himself, but had always at his table
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
three other Doctors, to whom he allowed hand-
 
−
some salaries for taking care of his son. The
 
−
one of these taught their pupil to compose in
 
−
prose and verse; the other to form curious cha-
 
−
 
 
−
racters:
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 19
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
* E year was now elapsed which
 
−
Shuey-keu:y6 had been allowed to
 
−
spend in retirement: when the Emperor
 
−
issued out an order for his return to
 
−
court: upon the first notice of which
 
−
the Mandarine 7 jeb-ying wrote a letter,
 
−
to intreat him to bring the young lady
 
−
along with him. pon: recen of
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
rafters : the third infruted W in history and
 
−
politics. Ihus by way of conversation they in-
 
−
_ billed into his mind and heart the knowledge
 
−
of the laws, the principles of morality, the vir-
 
−
tues of the great Emperors, and the examples
 
−
of a rare sidelity towards the prince, which hath
 
−
rendered certain families illustrious: and as the
 
−
young man had a lively and apt spirit, he quickly
 
−
ecame as learned as his malters.”
 
−
 
 
−
See P. Farrenin & letter, dated Aug, 11. 1730.
 
−
1 Leteres edif. æxi. \ 204:
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
C : 2 © this,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
20 HAU KIOU- CHOAAN.
 
−
this, he told his daughter, that as she
 
−
was now grown up to woman's estate,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
he intended she should accompany him
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ro the court. Shuey-ping-fin testified her
 
−
compliance: To what purpose, said
 
−
she, am I your daughter? I might as
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
well not have been born to you, if I
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
must remain always at a distance. It
 
−
is very fitting I should attend you but
 
−
then 1 muün humbly intreat one fa-
 
−
your.” He asked what it was. She
 
−
replied, If at court any offers should
 
−
be made about the completion of the
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
marriage with 7 eb. chung -u, that yu
 
−
will be pleased not to consent to it.”
 
−
 
 
−
The old Mandarine smiled at her re-
 
−
quest, and assured her that he would
 
−
do nothing that should be prejudicial
 
−
either to her happiness or fame. He
 
−
83 . ae then
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
N
 
−
* 5
 
−
[p. 1]
 
−
. q
 
−
Be
 
−
Fare
 
−
[p. 3]
 
−
[p. 7]
 
−
 
 
−
a
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 21
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
then asked her, to whom he should
 
−
devolve the care of his house and ef-
 
−
fects. She proposed her uncle as the
 
−
properest person to have direction with-
 
−
out doors, but recommended him to
 
−
leave the government within to the
 
−
care of &. uc geong. He followed her
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
advice, and having made suitable pre-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
parations departed for Pe- ing, where
 
−
in little more than a month he arrived.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
As soon; as he had performed his
 
−
first duty i in waiting on the Empero 7.
 
−
all the great officers came to visit him,
 
−
and among the rest the Mandarine
 
−
Tich-ying : who afterwards sent his son
 
−
to pay him the same compliment. Al-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
| though the young Mandarine Tieh in
 
−
Uhr: visiting billet which he had dif
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
C 3 pitched
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
22 HA KIOU CHOAAN.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
patched Before him, called himself only
 
−
cousin, and not son-in law, as he should
 
−
have done, Shuey-keu-ys attributed it
 
−
to his modesty, and admitted his visit.
 
−
The old gentleman was mightily plea-
 
−
sed to see him become a great Man-
 
−
darine, and grown a very personable
 
−
man *, which made him think him
 
−
the more suitable match for his daugh-
 
−
ter, esteeming them both only born
 
−
for each other. Let this young and
 
−
nn pair, Gn he to himself,)
 
−
* That is, dy was 1 fat nad jolly. —
 
−
«The Chine/e, says P. Le Compte, differ from us in
 
−
their idea of beauty and comeliness. - They re-
 
−
quire a man to be large, corpulent and burly: to
 
−
have a large forehead, little flat eyes, a short nose,
 
−
Lars rather of the largest, a little mouth, a long
 
−
beard and black hairs. A man according to
 
−
them is well made, when he fills his easy chair,
 
−
and by his grav ity and bulk, e a large an
 
−
pompous figure.“
 
−
ee tom. 1. Pag 191.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
object
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 23
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
object never so much to the marriage,
 
−
we old folks will over-rule them, and
 
−
make them happy in spite of them-
 
−
selves.” |
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
After some conversation Tieb-chung-u
 
−
took his leave and retired. As soon
 
−
as he was gone, the secretary belong-
 
−
ing to Shuey-keu-ye's tribunal came in
 
−
and said, Sir, I have a relation,
 
−
who is servant to the Mandarine Tab-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
quay; he hath been here to tell me
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
that, as his master is confined, he could
 
−
not visit your Lordship, neither could
 
−
he send a billet of compliments in
 
−
due form, but he notwithstanding pre-
 
−
sents his services and wishes of good
 
−
health: he told me farther, that ab-
 
−
quay having lost his wise, is very de-
 
−
„„ sirous
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
24 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. firous to marry again; and hearing
 
−
that you have brought the young lady
 
−
your daughter with you to court, he
 
−
intends to get the Mandarine Kzo-/þ5-
 
−
sua to come in his behalf, and conclude
 
−
a marriage · contract for her. © Well !
 
−
said Shuey-keu-ye, and what answer did
 
−
you make to Tab-quay's servant?” 1
 
−
told him, said the other, that she had
 
−
been long engaged to the Mandarine
 
−
Tieh-chung-u. Upon which he inquired
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
when the marriage was to be conclu-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ded; but I was not able to inform him.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
Of this our discourse, I thought it my
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
duty to inform your Lordship.” The
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
Mandarine ordered him, if any one
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
e
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
should hereafter question him on that
 
−
5 subject, to tell them that the nuptials
 
−
would be celebrated within the space |
 
−
 
 
−
org
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
[p. 4]
 
−
 
 
−
[p. 21]
 
−
[p. 1]
 
−
[p. 3]
 
−
 
 
−
[p. 75]
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
N ER Met es n F es:
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 25
 
−
of two days. This Mandarine, said
 
−
Shuey-keu ye to himself, is a person of
 
−
very ill character, his proposals are
 
−
only meant to give us disturbance. But
 
−
should he apply to the Emperor him-
 
−
self, there will be nothing to fear, as
 
−
my daughter is already. disposed of :
 
−
however it is better to have the mar-
 
−
riage completed to prevent the worst
 
−
that may happen.“ He then went to
 
−
his daughter's apartment, and told her
 
−
she must not think it unreascnable,
 
−
that he renewed the subject of her
 
−
union with Tieb- chung -u, for that it was
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
necessary it should take place immedi- |
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
diately. Then he related to her all
 
−
that his secretary had told him: Now,
 
−
said he, if we do not hasten. the com-
 
−
Pletion of your marriage, this Tag-
 
−
15. N quey
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
[p. 15]
 
−
[p. 8]
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
26 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. guay may perhaps involve us in a great
 
−
deal of trouble.“ It instantly occur-
 
−
red to the young lady, that Kwo-kbz-
 
−
zu or his father were at the bottom
 
−
of this business. She communicated
 
−
her conjectures to her father, And
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
yet, added she, if ab- quay should
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
persist in giving us disturbance, upon
 
−
proper application to his Majesty it
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
may perhaps involve him in fresh
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
disgrace, and be a means of renew-
 
−
ing his former punishment.” The
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
wisest course, said Shuey-keu-ye, is not
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
to oppose an enemy, but to avoid
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
him. If we conclude this marriage
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
out of hand, his design will be de-
 
−
feated. —Before his daughter could
 
−
reply, there came in a servant, to tell
 
−
 
 
−
him that the Supreme Viceroy had
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
sent
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
PO CAP Pon Ot get er RY ME 6A Re RSO Se
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 27
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
sent his service, and begged he would
 
−
savour him with his company at his
 
−
house, for that he had urgent business
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
to communicate to him. This is
 
−
a good opportunity, said Shuey-keu-ye ;
 
−
J had thoughts myself of going thi-
 
−
ther. I will therefore lay all ceremony
 
−
_ aside. Let my horse be got ready,”
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
He accordingly went as fast as he
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
could.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
As soon as he alighted, the Man-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
darine Tieh-ying took him by the hand,
 
−
and led him into the hall: This
 
−
morning, said he, as I was coming
 
−
from court, I met the Eunuch Cheu-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
thay-kien; who making me a very low
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
bow, said, he begged a favour which
 
−
he hoped I would not refuse him:
 
−
OM os
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
28 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. that he had a niece. whom he should
 
−
be glad to have married to my son.
 
−
I told him it could not be, for he was
 
−
already engaged. He replied, © Whar
 
−
though he is engaged to Shuey-ping-/in,
 
−
it signifies little, as the marriage is
 
−
not yet completed.” These Eunuchs,
 
−
added the Mandarine Jeb, are saucy
 
−
impertinent rascals, and presume upon
 
−
the great employ ments they fill: there-
 
−
fore to be plagued no more on this
 
−
subject, L have sent to your Lordship
 
−
that we may get the wedding con-
 
−
cluded as soon as possible. What.
 
−
said Shuey-keu-ye, have you then met
 
−
with this trouble? Such another ap-
 
−
plication hath been this day made to
 
−
myself.“ Upon which he related all
 
−
that his e had told him. N ow.
 
−
 
 
−
said
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
[p. 29]
 
−
said he, this > bling the case, et us put an
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
end to the affair. When the marriage |
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ceremony is once over, even his Ma-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
jesty's order will not be of force to
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
set it aside. Nay let it be concluded
 
−
this very day: and yet my daughter
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
will hardly be prevailed with; she ar-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ues against breaking the laws of de-
 
−
cency and custom.“ „My son, said
 
−
the other, talks in the same strain.““
 
−
After all, said Shucy-keu-ye, I believe
 
−
| they secretly love each other: we must/
 
−
not therefore regard their objections,”
 
−
but exert our paternal authority.“
 
−
“True, said the Mandarine Ticb - and
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
yet if these impertinent applications had
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
not been made to us, we might have
 
−
indulged them with longer time: but
 
−
as it is, there is not an hour to be
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
| loft:
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
30 Hab KIOU CHOAAN. .
 
−
lost: I believe they would hardly be
 
−
brought to give up each other, and
 
−
therefore will, now comply with our
 
−
desires. Here they parted.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
The Mandarine Treb-ying instantly:
 
−
sent for his son, and related to him all
 
−
that happened both to the President of
 
−
Arms and to himself. Now, said he,
 
−
this being the case, if you don't con-
 
−
sent to marry the young lady, you
 
−
will cause a great deal of trouble both
 
−
to her and yourself; which there are
 
−
no other means to prevent Or avoid.“
 
−
Sir, replied his son, whatever you
 
−
command, tis my duty to obey you.
 
−
I am only concerned at the hastiness
 
−
 
 
−
of the proceedings. As to: the Eu-
 
−
nuch's application, it is certainly the
 
−
contrivance
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 31
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
contrivance of Kwo-sho-su : but what
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
signifies his proposing ' his niece to
 
−
me? he will but lose his labour.”
 
−
« Well, said his father, although you
 
−
can so easily resist this attack your-
 
−
self, you must give the young lady
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
some assistance in her difficulty.“ Sir,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
said the youth, be pleased then to
 
−
acquaint the Mandarine her father to
 
−
give it out that we are married.
 
−
This will stop the mouths of these
 
−
people, and rescue us from their im-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
pertinence: at the same time, we may
 
−
within doors remain single till a more
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
favourable juncture, The Manda-
 
−
rine Tieb approved very well of his
 
−
son's discourse: and did not insist
 
−
upon his further compliance. Pro-
 
−
 
 
−
| _ vided,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
32 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. vided, said he, you can but satisfy
 
−
 
 
−
the world that you are married, you
 
−
may act in private as you please.“
 
−
Then he commissioned proper people
 
−
to chuse out a fortunate day for the
 
−
celebration of their nuptials. |
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
02 H Ap. In:
 
−
A ARLY on the morrow the Manda-
 
−
& 4 rine Shuey-keu-ye sent a letter to the
 
−
Supreme Viceroy, which he opened,
 
−
and read to the following effect. Af-
 
−
& ter I had talked with your Lordship
 
−
yesterday, I went home and propo-
 
−
« {ed to my daughter the completion
 
−
&« of the marriage; which she could by
 
−
no means be brought to consent to:
 
−
% however,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ger Ng Ne
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
F777
 
−
On * N A
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
PPT
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE: HISTORY: 5 3
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ce however, after: a great many argu-
 
−
“ments, at length she yielded that
 
−
6 it snould be reported abroad she
 
−
racks) married to your son; on con-
 
−
dition that at home she should till
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
«continue in her present state. I have
 
−
therefore sent to consult your Lord-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
« ship, whether you think this will be
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
„ {ufficient. 92 105
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
The Mandarine Tieb-ying was high-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ly pleased with the letter: but could
 
−
not help thinking it very extraordi-
 
−
nary that this young couple should
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
both adopt the fame opinions. Cer-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
tainly, said he. Heaven hath designed
 
−
this pair for each other: there is a
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
wonderful similitude in their fortunes,
 
−
r. IV. D manners
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
34 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. manners and sentiments. But yet, he
 
−
added, if they do not live under the
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
same roof, it will soon be discovered
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
that they are not married: I will there-
 
−
fore send my son to reside in the house
 
−
of Sbuey-keu. y“; and then whether they
 
−
are married or not, their true situation
 
−
will not be known abroad.” He ac-
 
−
cordingly sent to ask the other's opi-
 
−
nion concerning this proposal : who
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
intirely approved of it. They soon after
 
−
visited each other, and chusing a for-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
tunate day celebrated the marriage;
 
−
at which a great number of Manda-
 
−
rines assisted with the highest splen-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
dour and magnificence. Tieb- chung -u
 
−
went in state to the house of the bride,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
„ECC. ⁵² A ALA eres wid gigs, cnt "
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 35
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
Mandarines. When he: arrived-at the
 
−
door, the Lord President came out in
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
person to receive him: and after the
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
usual ceremonies were over, there was
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
a great entertainment prepared for the
 
−
guests, The bridegroom however left
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
them, and was led into rhe i 1nner *
 
−
2 N 765 | 4:5 210
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
| | As it was now evening, the rooms
 
−
were lighted up with greatest splendor:
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
and as soon as he was come into the se-
 
−
cond hall, SHuey ping: iu entered also,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
followed by a long train of female
 
−
attendants. She received him with
 
−
the fame easy chearfulness, as she
 
−
would have received a friend: she
 
−
bewaged no particular emotion or
 
−
 
 
−
G ˖· uĩ =»
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
36 HAU KIOU' CHOAAN.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
gesture, but accosted him with a de-
 
−
cent and becoming freedom. Sir,
 
−
said sne, I am ever sensible of the for-
 
−
 
 
−
mer benefits I received at your hands:
 
−
and was my life to be laid down in
 
−
your behalf, it would not discharge
 
−
the debt I owe. you. By my father's
 
−
order I have the good fortune to meet
 
−
with you here this day; which af⸗
 
−
fords me an opportunity of b returning
 
−
you thanks for the services you have done
 
−
me.“ Then making a deep court'sy
 
−
sne presented him with a seat. Tieb-
 
−
bung -u seeing the graceful ease with
 
−
which she accosted him, and the beauty
 
−
of her person set off with the richness
 
−
and exactness of her dress, thought her
 
−
handsomer than she had even appeared
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
n i ;
 
−
4 +44 _
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE / HISTORY. 3
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
to him at their first encounter: he was
 
−
so ravished with the sight of her, that
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
he thought she could be nothing less
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
than an angel from heaven. When
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
he had recovered his surprize, hay re-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
plied, Madam, the benefit I have
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
received at your hands is so great
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
that I want words to express it: A
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
deep sense of it is however engraved
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
in my heart, and is the subject of my
 
−
daily thoughts and nightly dreams, By
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
your father's permission, I have the
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
good fortune to meet with you here
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
this day, to pay you my acknowledg
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ments.” This said, he saluted her with
 
−
great respect. Then a carpet was spread,
 
−
and they both together performed the
 
−
 
 
−
_ usual ceremony of bowing their heads
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
D ge they
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
down to the ground. After which
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
38 HAU KIOU: CHOAAN.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
retiring to two different tables they
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
3 three e of wine to each other.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
e E rieh i # thus ad-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
dressed the young lady, Madam, I
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
am so much obliged to you for all
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
your favours, especially for the good
 
−
instructions you gave me, that I shall |
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ever retain them in my memory. It
 
−
is owing to you that I am arrived to
 
−
the great honours conferred upon me,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
If I had not had the happiness ' of
 
−
meeting with you, I should very like-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
ly have been still a wanderer.” * Your
 
−
present advancement, said the young
 
−
lady, was not owing to any thing
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
1 could fay ; which was but trifling.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A mere child might by chance point
 
−
3 . Out
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
77 d Lorena ako 2,
 
−
* by . * p $5 ; : - n q RN *
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
o 8 W * , . —
 
−
\ EO 5 7 1 5 Wen 3 ES op BY | FCC * 7 4 a
 
−
- — - 4, 4 TYP TORT 8 8 * BY * — 8 e 233 D i "REEF * 1 ER 3
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
FL i bt PURSES y Leeds WALLA ee) Rn
 
−
. RW p 1 by 08 Sr 48 3
 
−
5 — Fd : N 2 1 355
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 39
 
−
out the way to those that had lost it.
 
−
| The source of your reputation was your
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
redressing the injury of the young lady,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
who had been forced away; and your
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
appearing in behalf of the General, Hu-
 
−
hiau : these were actions so brave, that
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
none beside yourself were equal to
 
−
them. You also got my father resto-
 
−
red to the Emperor's favour: a bene-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
fit that can be never repaid. . How hap-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
py am I then, that I can now offer you
 
−
my service ! But, Sir, permit me to pro-
 
−
pose one word or two. When I invited
 
−
you to my house in order to attend
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
you in your illness, Heaven knows we
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
were void of all bad intentions; but
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
the malignity of the world led them
 
−
to speak. very ili of us abroad: and
 
−
shall we now for the sake of a few days
 
−
D 4 ..
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
40 HAU RIOU CHOAAN.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
of mirth and pleasure, obscure the re-
 
−
maining part of our lives? In my
 
−
opinion it would be much better to
 
−
stay, and see this cloud pass over
 
−
besore we conclude the marriage far-
 
−
ther. These are | my sentiments, and
 
−
I should be very glad if yours were
 
−
the same.” Tich-chung-u hearing this,
 
−
made her a very low bow, and told
 
−
her, he highly approved of her opi-
 
−
nion; which he had as much wish-
 
−
ed her to adopt, as a shower of rain
 
−
is desired in a time of drought. It
 
−
is true, said he, the commands of our
 
−
parents would be sufficient to warrant
 
−
our completing the marriage: but as
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
it would cause a deal of reflection,
 
−
I am intirely of your opinion that
 
−
|: 1 it will be better to wait a little while
 
−
1 1 longer,”
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE /HISTORY.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
4k
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
| longer.“ < Our parents“ impatience,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
said the young lady, proceeds from the
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
impertinence of Tab- quay and the Eu-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
nuch: [but your regard for decency
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
and good order merits my regard, and
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
greatly heightens my opinion of you.“
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
The people you mention, answered
 
−
he, know nothing about us; and are
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
unacquainted with our affairs: they are
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
incited to trouble us by Kwo-sho Ju;
 
−
 
 
−
but when they see the step we have
 
−
taken, their mouths. will be stopped,
 
−
and they can proceed no farther.”
 
−
And yet, said Shuey-ping- 2 they may
 
−
sill shew their spite by raising ill and
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
calumnious reports of us. Upon all
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
these accounts it is best to forbear a
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
while.” „ For my part, said Tieb-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
chung-u, when] came ill into your house,
 
−
I thought
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
42 HAU |KIQU. C TOA A
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
1 thought none knew of it but four,
 
−
namely, Heaven and Earth, you and
 
−
myself”
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
It is usual with the Chine/e to \ freak of The
 
−
Heaven and The Earth, as intelligent beings,
 
−
or divinities. Thus in their books it is said,
 
−
Heaven hears and sees every thing. [P. Du
 
−
Halde, v. T. p. 407. u.] And in their imperial
 
−
edicts, The protection of [ Tien-ti] the Hea-
 
−
ven and the Earth, which comes from on high.“
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
[ibid. p. 528. But the Jaesuites alledge that a
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
these are only phrases to signify the Deity, the
 
−
Sovereign Lord of Heaven and Earth.
 
−
It is very remarkable that the CY have
 
−
no particular term in all their language that ex-
 
−
Pressly denotes the Supreme Being, or an-
 
−
swers to our word GOD. Hence they have been
 
−
branded with the character of professed atheists,
 
−
But whatever their Zzterati may be at present,
 
−
it is certain that the CHingse have had from the
 
−
earliest antiquity various forms of expreslion,
 
−
and a multitude of religious rites, which prove
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
their belief of a Divine Providence. | See note,
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
vol. 1. p. 15 5
 
−
 
 
−
Among the other buildings consecrated to
 
−
religious worship, there are at Pe-king two very
 
−
superb ones. Ihe one is called Tien-Tang, or
 
−
The Temple of Heaven; the other 7 :i-tang, or
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
The TRI of the Earth, To these the Em-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
Peror
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
[p. 3]
 
−
A
 
−
[p. 4]
 
−
"4
 
−
+ 98
 
−
[p. 2]
 
−
P
 
−
KF.
 
−
I »
 
−
I.
 
−
"a
 
−
rs.
 
−
[p. 4]
 
−
[p. 7]
 
−
A
 
−
4% :
 
−
4 7
 
−
[p. 75]
 
−
[p. 72]
 
−
[p. 75]
 
−
[p. 4]
 
−
=o
 
−
[p. 85]
 
−
[p. 5]
 
−
[p. 0]
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 4g
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
myself.” «Well, fad me, if Heaven
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
hath ee = thing, it will —
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
— "os every year in great tate, and with
 
−
his.own hands offers sacnfrce to The Heaven,
 
−
and to The Earth, at which times he lays aside
 
−
 
 
−
his robes, and appears in a plain vestment of
 
−
black, or sky-c toured damask, This is an office
 
−
so essential to his dignity, that for any one else to
 
−
perform it, would be at once to aspire to the
 
−
throne,
 
−
 
 
−
The Emperor's sacrifice to the Earth is attend-
 
−
ed with a ceremony, which deserves particular
 
−
notice. On a certain day in the spring he appears
 
−
in the character of a husbandman, and with two
 
−
oxen who have their horns gilt, and with a plough
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
finely varnished, &c. he ploughs up several fur-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
rows, and afterwatds sows them with his own
 
−
hand: his principal Lords afterwards do the
 
−
like, 'till they have — the whole spot set
 
−
apart for that purpose : P. Magalhazns tells us,
 
−
that at the same time the Empress with her ladies
 
−
dresses him a homely dinner, which they after-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
-wards eat together, &c.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
This ceremony hath been observed from time
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
immemorial in order to encourage agriculture,
 
−
the profession of which is deemed very honour-
 
−
able in China, and there are annual rewards
 
−
proposed to such as excell in it.
 
−
 
 
−
See P. Du Halde, vol. 1, pag. 275. 660.
 
−
F. Magal. ch. 2 1. Martin. Hist. p. 11. &c.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
Our
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
44 HAU KIOU CHOAAN. Our parents commands would justify
 
−
our union in the eye of the world: but
 
−
as there is this secret reason for our
 
−
sorbearance, we must only feign to be
 
−
husband and wife: this may pass with
 
−
the public, till the difficulty is re-
 
−
moved that prevents us from being
 
−
such in reality. The young Man-
 
−
darine was charmed with her discretion,
 
−
and said, Your ingenious reasoning
 
−
informs my mind, at the same time
 
−
that it Airengrhens | [my resolutions, in
 
−
virtue *, n | 2
 
−
Thus they held conversation on their
 
−
Patent circumstances, and on the great
 
−
regard that ought to be paid to honour
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
In the Translator's M. S. it is, * Strengthens
 
−
my regard to the great law of nature.“
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
and
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
A CHINESE HISTORY. 45
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
and virtue: they also related the various
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
passages that had happened, as well
 
−
through the persecution of Kwo-kbe-
 
−
224, as through the plots of him and
 
−
his father. They were very pleasant
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
and chearful: and having drunk
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
just enough to put them in mind
 
−
to have the tables removed, they rose
 
−
up, and retired into two separate cham-
 
−
bers. So that their marriage was no
 
−
otherwise completed than as to the
 
−
outward appearance, and belief of it.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
| What happened in consequence of
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
_ these measures will be found in the fol-
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
lowing chapter, [1517 9Vp51
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
5 * * 3 5 5 [ * - s i 8 & .
 
−
Pa 4 ; 7 : 7 pe 1 . Z 14 ; | *
 
−
| y = I * *
 
−
E ee 14 . „ : 4 30
 
−
1 0 pe 1 1 y
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
9 OC > i
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
a= —— —Uü5 —— . 7—? — —
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
46 HAU KIQU/CHOAAN,
 
−
 
 
  
 +
What happened in consequence of these measures will be found in the following chapter.
  
 
----
 
----
  
 
''End of Chapter 15''
 
''End of Chapter 15''
 +
 +
<references/>
  
 
[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]
 
[[Category:Hao Qiu Zhuan]]

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Chapter 15: When Parents Command with Bitter Entreaties, How Can One Refuse?

From: Hau Kiou Choaan, or The Pleasing History. Translated by James Wilkinson, edited by Thomas Percy (London, 1761)

Note: This text was digitized via OCR from the original 1761 print. Some scan errors may remain -- compare with the modern translation and Chinese original to verify.

[Volume IV, Book IV, Chapters I-IV]

CHAP I.[1]

Shuey-keu-ye when he came home, saw to his great satisfaction his daughter grown up to woman's estate, and highly improved in her beauty and accomplishments. He told her the troubles he had met with had not been able to render him unhappy, neither was he at all elevated by his promotion. "My greatest pleasure, said he, is to see you again, and to find you in health." He concluded with telling her, that at court he had met with a young gentleman, whom he had chosen for his son-in-law, one who was in every respect answerable to his utmost wishes. It struck the young lady that this might possibly be Tieh-chung-u; she therefore answered, "Sir, you are far advanced in years: it is a great while since the death of my mother: you have no child but me: it is therefore my duty to serve you as long as I live: and however undeserving I may be, I will never cease to attend you." The Mandarine her father smiled and said, "You must not persist in these resolutions, however commendable they may be. It would be very wrong to let slip the opportunity of being happily married upon any such considerations. If my adopted son-in-law were not a person of superior merit, I should hardly have made choice of him: nay if he had the least fault in the world, I should not have accepted him without having first consulted you. But he is a youth of fine understanding, and of spotless integrity: he is deficient in no one valuable accomplishment. I found him in all respects so unexceptionable, that I did not think it necessary to apply to you first for your consent." The young lady, who by this description was confirmed in her opinion, that it must be the son of the Mandarine Tieh-ying, made answer, "that indeed nothing could be objected to such a person as he had described: But who knows, added she, whether there may not be other objections to the marriage-contract? whether it may be lawful—?" These words made the Lord President recall to mind those of the young gentleman, insomuch that he could not help remarking their resemblance: he therefore said, "Do you know the person of whom I speak; it is the son of the Supreme Viceroy." "Sir, she replied, had it been any one else, I would never have consented: and as it is he, he never will agree to any such marriage." "Why not?" said her father. She answered, "Because it would be to break through all the regards due to that honourable engagement, and to violate its most solemn rites." Shuey-keu-ye was surprised at these words: "This youth, said he, is of no ill descent; but pure and untainted as yourself: Why then do you talk of any violation that would accrue to the rites of marriage?" With that Shuey-ping-sin related to him all that happened during his absence. "And now, added she, after all this, how can such an alliance take place without entailing everlasting shame and disgrace on us both?" When he had heard this relation, her father was charmed with her delicacy and nice sense of honour: "If this be true, said he to himself, my daughter hath not her equal among women, any more than Tieh-chung-u is to be matched among men." "Daughter, said he aloud, I am glad to see you keep so closely to the paths of virtue: there is none but you fit to be paired with so good and virtuous a youth as I have chosen. Heaven seems to have created you both for each other: this marriage was ordained to take place between you. I have engaged to see it performed: you must not therefore think it wrong or dishonourable in it."

These were the resolutions of the father of Shuey-ping-sin, whom we shall leave at present, to inquire after Kwo-khe-tzu, her unsuccessful admirer.

When Chun-kee returned as we have seen without success, nothing could equal that youth's disappointment: yet his friend exhorted him not to be cast down: "Your father, said he, hath petitioned the Emperor against Shuey-keu-ye, and against an officer espoused by him; who will both be sentenced to lose their heads." Kwo-khe-tzu listened to this account with pleasure, and they continued to indulge themselves in the hope of being revenged for the slight put upon them, when at length the[2] news arrived that Shuey-keu-ye was recalled from exile, and promoted to a higher office; and all by the interposal of Tieh-chung-u; in return for which he had engaged to give him his daughter in marriage. The report so affected Kwo-khe-tzu, that he raved and stamped like a madman, and at last swooned away. By the assistance of the people, who came to his relief, he at length recovered, and retiring with Chun-kee, said, "How indefatigable have I been? what steps have I taken? what expence have I been at? and what perplexity have I suffered? and at length Tieh-chung-u without any pains at all hath carried off the prize. But, if I die for it, I will prevent the ceremony from being compleated. Come, said he to his friend, you must set your wits at work for me." "Alas! replied the other, when she was lone and friendless all our attempts proved ineffectual: her father is now advanced in dignity, and will quickly be at home; what likelyhood then is there now of success?" "Well, said the youth, I can now have no hopes of succeeding myself: I shall be sufficiently satisfied, if I can but prevent and disappoint the other." "We know very well, replied his friend, the nice and scrupulous temper of her father, and his advancement will render him still more jealous of the reputation of his family; let us apply to some of his acquaintance, and get them to inform him of the secret correspondence between Tieh-chung-u and his daughter: if he hears of this he will certainly break off the marriage. But if he should disregard it, we then will get your father to apply to the Ko-tau or Public Censor[3]: whose complaint against him will cause the Emperor to take away his employment, and set aside their nuptials." Kwo-khe-tzu thought this a well-concerted scheme: and said, "To-morrow I will endeavour to make this matter as public as I can among all the Mandarines of the city." "By no means, said his friend, for the Che-foo and Che-bien[4] know the whole truth of the affair, and can contradict such a report: besides they will now be disposed to solicit the favour of Shuey-keu-ye, who will be upon the spot. Let us rather defer it till there come two new magistrates, for the present will soon go to court to solicit farther preferment." "Well, said the other, but although two new Mandarines should arrive, they will inquire into the truth of such a report, and the people of their audience will be able to set them right." "If we consider every objection, and are discouraged by it, replied Chun-kee, we had better desist and give up the affair. However I now recollect a more effectual means than any we have thought of: when I was at court, I observed a very great intimacy between your father, and Tah-quay, the great Mandarine who was so disgraced by your adversary Tieh-chung-u. The wife of this nobleman was newly dead, and he was looking out for a young and handsome woman to succeed her. Dispatch a letter to your father, and desire him to recommend Shuey-ping-sin to him; for although Tieh-chung-u hath made proposals of marriage, it is not concluded. Thus your father will at once oblige his friend, by helping him to a young and handsome wife, and you will be revenged on your adversary; whose reputation will also suffer by the disappointment: at the same time the whole affair will be conducted without disturbance or danger." "There is one difficulty attends this method, said the youth: Tah-quay's confinement is not yet expired, and no body is allowed to converse with him openly: so my father can only visit him in private, and therefore cannot assist him in his power." "This is very true, said Chun-kee, and will somewhat retard the attempt, but I have still another resource, which is not liable to the same objection. Your father hath also contracted a close intimacy with one of the great Eunuchs of the palace; one of whom the whole court stands in awe, as being about the Emperor's person, and having his ear. This gentleman, who is called Chou-thay-kien[5] or the Eunuch of danger, hath a niece who is very ugly, and not yet married. Get your father to recommend Tieh-chung-u as a fit husband for her; he will not dare to reject the offers of so powerful a courtier as her uncle. Now when he is once married to the Eunuch's niece, undoubtedly so great a Mandarine as the Lord President of Arms, will never give him his only daughter for a second wife or concubine." Kwo-khe-tzu was so pleased with this advice, that he resolved to write to his father immediately: "But this affair, said he, is of too much moment to be intrusted to a common servant; shall I once more intreat you to embark in it?" His friend readily assented: and being furnished with money and other necessaries once more set out for the court.

While these plots were contriving, Tieh-chung-u lived retired in his country house: where he pursued his studies with such application and success, that at the time of the examination of students, he was admitted to the degree of Kiu-jin, or Licentiate[4]: this happened in autumn, when the examination is made through all the provinces. And soon after when the second examination was held at court he offered himself again, and appeared to such advantage that he was created Doctor of Law, and put foremost on the list. He was soon after made one of the first doctors of the empire, being chosen into the royal college or Han-lin[6],[7] and appointed by the Emperor to be one of the tutors to his son. He had now attained his twenty second year, and his father and mother only waited for Shuey-keu-ye's return to court, in order to compleat the marriage, which they resolved the nice scruples of their son should not set aside.

CHAP. II.

The year was now elapsed which Shuey-keu-ye had been allowed to spend in retirement: when the Emperor issued out an order for his return to court: upon the first notice of which the Mandarine Tieh-ying wrote a letter, to intreat him to bring the young lady along with him. Upon the receipt of this, he told his daughter, that as she was now grown up to woman's estate, he intended she should accompany him to the court. Shuey-ping-sin testified her compliance: "To what purpose, said she, am I your daughter? I might as well not have been born to you, if I must remain always at a distance. It is very fitting I should attend you: but then I must humbly intreat one favour." He asked what it was. She replied, "If at court any offers should be made about the completion of the marriage with Tieh-chung-u, that you will be pleased not to consent to it." The old Mandarine smiled at her request, and assured her that he would do nothing that should be prejudicial either to her happiness or fame. He then asked her, to whom he should devolve the care of his house and effects. She proposed her uncle as the properest person to have direction without doors, but recommended him to leave the government within to the care of Se-ue-geong. He followed her advice, and having made suitable preparations departed for Pe-king, where in little more than a month he arrived.

As soon as he had performed his first duty in waiting on the Emperor, all the great officers came to visit him, and among the rest the Mandarine Tieh-ying: who afterwards sent his son to pay him the same compliment. Although the young Mandarine Tieh in his visiting billet which he had dispatched before him, called himself only cousin, and not son-in-law, as he should have done, Shuey-keu-ye attributed it to his modesty, and admitted his visit. The old gentleman was mightily pleased to see him become a great Mandarine, and grown a very personable man,[8] which made him think him the more suitable match for his daughter, esteeming them both only born for each other. "Let this young and virtuous pair, (said he to himself,) object never so much to the marriage, we old folks will over-rule them, and make them happy in spite of themselves."

After some conversation Tieh-chung-u took his leave and retired. As soon as he was gone, the secretary belonging to Shuey-keu-ye's tribunal came in and said, "Sir, I have a relation, who is servant to the Mandarine Tah-quay; he hath been here to tell me that, as his master is confined, he could not visit your Lordship, neither could he send a billet of compliments in due form, but he notwithstanding presents his services and wishes of good health: he told me farther, that Tah-quay having lost his wife, is very desirous to marry again; and hearing that you have brought the young lady your daughter with you to court, he intends to get the Mandarine Kwo-sho-su to come in his behalf, and conclude a marriage-contract for her." "Well! said Shuey-keu-ye, and what answer did you make to Tah-quay's servant?" "I told him, said the other, that she had been long engaged to the Mandarine Tieh-chung-u. Upon which he inquired when the marriage was to be concluded; but I was not able to inform him. Of this our discourse, I thought it my duty to inform your Lordship." The Mandarine ordered him, if any one should hereafter question him on that subject, to tell them that the nuptials would be celebrated within the space of two days. "This Mandarine, said Shuey-keu-ye to himself, is a person of very ill character, his proposals are only meant to give us disturbance. But should he apply to the Emperor himself, there will be nothing to fear, as my daughter is already disposed of: however it is better to have the marriage completed to prevent the worst that may happen." He then went to his daughter's apartment, and told her she must not think it unreasonable, that he renewed the subject of her union with Tieh-chung-u, for that it was necessary it should take place immediately. Then he related to her all that his secretary had told him: "Now, said he, if we do not hasten the completion of your marriage, this Tah-quay may perhaps involve us in a great deal of trouble." It instantly occurred to the young lady, that Kwo-khe-tzu or his father were at the bottom of this business. She communicated her conjectures to her father, "And yet, added she, if Tah-quay should persist in giving us disturbance, upon proper application to his Majesty it may perhaps involve him in fresh disgrace, and be a means of renewing his former punishment." "The wisest course, said Shuey-keu-ye, is not to oppose an enemy, but to avoid him. If we conclude this marriage out of hand, his design will be defeated." —Before his daughter could reply, there came in a servant, to tell him that the Supreme Viceroy had sent his service, and begged he would favour him with his company at his house, for that he had urgent business to communicate to him. "This is a good opportunity, said Shuey-keu-ye; I had thoughts myself of going thither. I will therefore lay all ceremony aside. Let my horse be got ready."

He accordingly went as fast as he could.

CHAP. III.

As soon as he alighted, the Mandarine Tieh-ying took him by the hand, and led him into the hall: "This morning, said he, as I was coming from court, I met the Eunuch Chou-thay-kien; who making me a very low bow, said, he begged a favour which he hoped I would not refuse him: that he had a niece, whom he should be glad to have married to my son. I told him it could not be, for he was already engaged. He replied, 'What though he is engaged to Shuey-ping-sin, it signifies little, as the marriage is not yet completed.' These Eunuchs, added the Mandarine Tieh, are saucy impertinent rascals, and presume upon the great employments they fill: therefore to be plagued no more on this subject, I have sent to your Lordship that we may get the wedding concluded as soon as possible." "What, said Shuey-keu-ye, have you then met with this trouble? Such another application hath been this day made to myself." Upon which he related all that his secretary had told him. "Now, said he, this being the case, let us put an end to the affair. When the marriage ceremony is once over, even his Majesty's order will not be of force to set it aside. Nay let it be concluded this very day: and yet my daughter will hardly be prevailed with; she argues against breaking the laws of decency and custom." "My son, said the other, talks in the same strain." "After all, said Shuey-keu-ye, I believe they secretly love each other: we must not therefore regard their objections, but exert our paternal authority." "True, said the Mandarine Tieh — and yet if these impertinent applications had not been made to us, we might have indulged them with longer time: but as it is, there is not an hour to be lost: I believe they would hardly be brought to give up each other, and therefore will now comply with our desires." Here they parted.

The Mandarine Tieh-ying instantly sent for his son, and related to him all that happened both to the President of Arms and to himself. "Now, said he, this being the case, if you don't consent to marry the young lady, you will cause a great deal of trouble both to her and yourself; which there are no other means to prevent or avoid." "Sir, replied his son, whatever you command, 'tis my duty to obey you. I am only concerned at the hastiness of the proceedings. As to the Eunuch's application, it is certainly the contrivance of Kwo-sho-su: but what signifies his proposing his niece to me? he will but lose his labour." "Well, said his father, although you can so easily resist this attack yourself, you must give the young lady some assistance in her difficulty." "Sir, said the youth, be pleased then to acquaint the Mandarine her father to give it out that we are married. This will stop the mouths of these people, and rescue us from their impertinence: at the same time, we may within doors remain single till a more favourable juncture." The Mandarine Tieh approved very well of his son's discourse: and did not insist upon his further compliance. "Provided, said he, you can but satisfy the world that you are married, you may act in private as you please." Then he commissioned proper people to chuse out a fortunate day for the celebration of their nuptials.

CHAP. IV.

Early on the morrow the Mandarine Shuey-keu-ye sent a letter to the Supreme Viceroy, which he opened, and read to the following effect. "After I had talked with your Lordship yesterday, I went home and proposed to my daughter the completion of the marriage; which she could by no means be brought to consent to: however, after a great many arguments, at length she yielded that it should be reported abroad she was married to your son; on condition that at home she should still continue in her present state. I have therefore sent to consult your Lordship, whether you think this will be sufficient."

The Mandarine Tieh-ying was highly pleased with the letter: but could not help thinking it very extraordinary that this young couple should both adopt the same opinions. "Certainly, said he, Heaven hath designed this pair for each other: there is a wonderful similitude in their fortunes, manners and sentiments. But yet, he added, if they do not live under the same roof, it will soon be discovered that they are not married: I will therefore send my son to reside in the house of Shuey-keu-ye; and then whether they are married or not, their true situation will not be known abroad." He accordingly sent to ask the other's opinion concerning this proposal: who intirely approved of it. They soon after visited each other, and chusing a fortunate day celebrated the marriage; at which a great number of Mandarines assisted with the highest splendour and magnificence. Tieh-chung-u went in state to the house of the bride, attended by all the Mandarines. When he arrived at the door, the Lord President came out in person to receive him: and after the usual ceremonies were over, there was a great entertainment prepared for the guests. The bridegroom however left them, and was led into the inner apartments.

As it was now evening, the rooms were lighted up with greatest splendor: and as soon as he was come into the second hall, Shuey-ping-sin entered also, followed by a long train of female attendants. She received him with the same easy chearfulness, as she would have received a friend: she bewrayed no particular emotion or gesture, but accosted him with a decent and becoming freedom. "Sir, said she, I am ever sensible of the former benefits I received at your hands: and was my life to be laid down in your behalf, it would not discharge the debt I owe you. By my father's order I have the good fortune to meet with you here this day; which affords me an opportunity of returning you thanks for the services you have done me." Then making a deep court'sy she presented him with a seat. Tieh-chung-u seeing the graceful ease with which she accosted him, and the beauty of her person set off with the richness and exactness of her dress, thought her handsomer than she had even appeared to him at their first encounter: he was so ravished with the sight of her, that he thought she could be nothing less than an angel from heaven. When he had recovered his surprize, he replied, "Madam, the benefit I have received at your hands is so great that I want words to express it: A deep sense of it is however engraved in my heart, and is the subject of my daily thoughts and nightly dreams. By your father's permission, I have the good fortune to meet with you here this day, to pay you my acknowledgments." This said, he saluted her with great respect. Then a carpet was spread, and they both together performed the usual ceremony of bowing their heads down to the ground. After which retiring to two different tables they drank three glasses of wine to each other.

Tieh-chung-u thus addressed the young lady, "Madam, I am so much obliged to you for all your favours, especially for the good instructions you gave me, that I shall ever retain them in my memory. It is owing to you that I am arrived to the great honours conferred upon me. If I had not had the happiness of meeting with you, I should very likely have been still a wanderer." "Your present advancement, said the young lady, was not owing to any thing I could say; which was but trifling. A mere child might by chance point out the way to those that had lost it. The source of your reputation was your redressing the injury of the young lady, who had been forced away; and your appearing in behalf of the General, Hu-hiau: these were actions so brave, that none beside yourself were equal to them. You also got my father restored to the Emperor's favour: a benefit that can be never repaid. How happy am I then, that I can now offer you my service! But, Sir, permit me to propose one word or two. When I invited you to my house in order to attend you in your illness, Heaven knows we were void of all bad intentions; but the malignity of the world led them to speak very ill of us abroad: and shall we now for the sake of a few days of mirth and pleasure, obscure the remaining part of our lives? In my opinion it would be much better to stay, and see this cloud pass over before we conclude the marriage farther. These are my sentiments, and I should be very glad if yours were the same." Tieh-chung-u hearing this, made her a very low bow, and told her, he highly approved of her opinion; which he had as much wished her to adopt, as a shower of rain is desired in a time of drought. "It is true, said he, the commands of our parents would be sufficient to warrant our completing the marriage: but as it would cause a deal of reflection, I am intirely of your opinion that it will be better to wait a little while longer."

"Our parents' impatience, said the young lady, proceeds from the impertinence of Tah-quay and the Eunuch: but your regard for decency and good order merits my regard, and greatly heightens my opinion of you." "The people you mention, answered he, know nothing about us; and are unacquainted with our affairs: they are incited to trouble us by Kwo-sho-su; but when they see the step we have taken, their mouths will be stopped, and they can proceed no farther." "And yet, said Shuey-ping-sin, they may still shew their spite by raising ill and calumnious reports of us. Upon all these accounts it is best to forbear a while." "For my part, said Tieh-chung-u, when I came ill into your house, I thought none knew of it but four, namely, Heaven and Earth, you and myself."[9] "Well, said she, if Heaven hath seen every thing, it will justify our union in the eye of the world: but as there is this secret reason for our forbearance, we must only feign to be husband and wife: this may pass with the public, till the difficulty is removed that prevents us from being such in reality." The young Mandarine was charmed with her discretion, and said, "Your ingenious reasoning informs my mind, at the same time that it strengthens my resolutions in virtue."[10] Thus they held conversation on their present circumstances, and on the great regard that ought to be paid to honour and virtue: they also related the various passages that had happened, as well through the persecution of Kwo-khe-tzu, as through the plots of him and his father. They were very pleasant and chearful: and having drunk just enough to put them in mind to have the tables removed, they rose up, and retired into two separate chambers. So that their marriage was no otherwise completed than as to the outward appearance, and belief of it.

What happened in consequence of these measures will be found in the following chapter.

End of Chapter 15

  1. ↑ CHAP. XV. In the Translator's manuscript.
  2. ↑ The Chinese author is guilty of great inconsistency in this place: he had told us in the preceding book [pag. 150.] that it was six months from Hu-hiau's reprieve, to his victorious return: here he speaks of them both, as happening so near together, that the same messenger that came to tell of the one, brought news of the other.— The above passage in the Translator's MS. runs thus: "While they were talking, there came in a servant from court; they inquired what news he had brought from court. He replied, No good news for you, Sir. Why so, said his master? Because, answered the messenger, Tieh-chung-u having got a reprieve for Hu-hiau by offering himself security for him, that general is returned with success, &c: and both he and Shuey-keu-ye are preferred, and the latter hath given his daughter in marriage to Tieh-chung-u." The Editor hath endeavoured to remove this inconsistency, as much as he could without departing too much from the original.
  3. ↑ The Ko-tau is a great Mandarine, who relates to the Emperor whatever he hears amiss of any of the Mandarines: he also tells the Emperor boldly of any error he is guilty of himself. — Transl. Or rather the officer here intended is the President of a Tribunal of Censors, whose business it is (not unlike that among the Romans) to watch over the public manners, sparing neither Emperor nor Mandarines.—In the discharge of this office, they often shew surprizing courage and perseverance: some of them have persisted for two years together in accusing a Viceroy supported by all the grandees; and without being discouraged by delays or opposition, have at length compelled the court to degrade him, to avoid incurring the public odium. The manner of their proceedings is to frame a memorial and present it to the Emperor, of which they afterwards disperse copies through all the provinces. As soon as this memorial is published, the man accused is generally obliged to do two things: the first is to give in a memorial, not in his own defence, but containing an humble acknowledgment of his error: the second is to retire from his Tribunal, and to suspend all public execution of his office, till the Emperor hath answered his petition, either acquitting or condemning him. Any excess in private buildings, any irregularity of manners, any innovation or contempt of ancient customs, falls immediately under their cognizance. And as in China a parent is responsible for his children, it would have been a capital crime in Shuey-keu-ye to have rewarded his daughter's incontinence by letting her marry her gallant. See P. Semedo, p. 126. P. Du Halde, vol. 1. pag. 70. P. Le Compte, p. 227. Lettres edif. XIII, p. 367.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named chebien
  5. ↑ Chou or Chen signifies danger, and his surname a Eunuch. — Transl.
  6. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named hanlin
  7. ↑ This may seem inconsistent with what hath been formerly said, of the slow progress of the Chinese in their studies; and of the length of time required for them to pass through their several degrees. See vol. 2. pag. 86. 98. &c. But it should be observed, that there may be exceptions to this general rule in favour of extraordinary Genius, or uncommon assiduity.—P. Parrenin tells us, that he has known instances of young men that have been made not only Doctors, but Han-lin [or members of the royal college,] before they were twenty years of age. — But these were extraordinary instances: and the promotion of these young Doctors was owing not only to the force of genius, and the advantage of a happy memory, but in part to the great care and expence their parents had bestowed on their education. "I knew, saith he, the father of one of these young men, who was not only a Doctor himself, but had always at his table three other Doctors, to whom he allowed handsome salaries for taking care of his son. The one of these taught their pupil to compose in prose and verse; the other to form curious characters: the third instructed him in history and politics. Thus by way of conversation they instilled into his mind and heart the knowledge of the laws, the principles of morality, the virtues of the great Emperors, and the examples of a rare fidelity towards the prince, which hath rendered certain families illustrious: and as the young man had a lively and apt spirit, he quickly became as learned as his masters." See P. Parrenin's letter, dated Aug. 11. 1730. Lettres edif. XXI. p. 204.
  8. ↑ That is, he was fat and jolly. — "The Chinese, says P. Le Compte, differ from us in their idea of beauty and comeliness. They require a man to be large, corpulent and burly: to have a large forehead, little flat eyes, a short nose, ears rather of the largest, a little mouth, a long beard and black hairs. A man according to them is well made, when he fills his easy chair, and by his gravity and bulk, makes a large and pompous figure." See tom. 1. Pag. 191.
  9. ↑ It is usual with the Chinese to speak of The Heaven and The Earth, as intelligent beings, or divinities. Thus in their books it is said, "Heaven hears and sees every thing." [P. Du Halde, v. 1. p. 407.] And in their imperial edicts, "The protection of [Tien-ti] the Heaven and the Earth, which comes from on high." [ibid. p. 528.] But the Jesuits alledge that these are only phrases to signify the Deity, the Sovereign Lord of Heaven and Earth. It is very remarkable that the Chinese have no particular term in all their language that expressly denotes the Supreme Being, or answers to our word GOD. Hence they have been branded with the character of professed atheists. But whatever their Literati may be at present, it is certain that the Chinese have had from the earliest antiquity various forms of expression, and a multitude of religious rites, which prove their belief of a Divine Providence. (See note, vol. 1. p. 155.) Among the other buildings consecrated to religious worship, there are at Pe-king two very superb ones. The one is called Tien-Tang, or The Temple of Heaven; the other Ti-tang, or The Temple of the Earth. To these the Emperor goes every year in great state, and with his own hands offers sacrifice to The Heaven, and to The Earth, at which times he lays aside his robes, and appears in a plain vestment of black, or sky-coloured damask. This is an office so essential to his dignity, that for any one else to perform it, would be at once to aspire to the throne. The Emperor's sacrifice to the Earth is attended with a ceremony, which deserves particular notice. On a certain day in the spring he appears in the character of a husbandman, and with two oxen who have their horns gilt, and with a plough finely varnished, &c. he ploughs up several furrows, and afterwards sows them with his own hand: his principal Lords afterwards do the like, till they have ploughed the whole spot set apart for that purpose: P. Magalhaens tells us, that at the same time the Empress with her ladies dresses him a homely dinner, which they afterwards eat together, &c. This ceremony hath been observed from time immemorial in order to encourage agriculture, the profession of which is deemed very honourable in China, and there are annual rewards proposed to such as excell in it. See P. Du Halde, vol. 1, pag. 275. 660. P. Magal. ch. 21. Martin. Hist. p. 11. &c.
  10. ↑ In the Translator's M.S. it is, "Strengthens my regard to the great law of nature."
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